Islamic coins

Figure 3.15 - Adams.Z., (2019) Zikr Umla. Image showing coins made using different techniques.

The pieces in this collection are made of a variety of metals including copper, brass, gilding metal and silver, and make reference to Arabic calligraphy and Bedouin jewellery. A Bedouin coin can be described as a silver coin that is antique, showing off dents and scratches, and overall has a used and relic-like look to it. In trying to make a coin that resembled Bedouin coins, I used a variety of techniques.

Below is a list of four techniques that I used to create coins:

1. Acid etching.
2. Piercing and soldering. 
3. Sand casting.
4. Lost wax casting.

Out of all the techniques that I tried, I found sand casting to be most successful in resembling Bedouin coins. The coin was not meant to be a perfect replica, but rather to be my interpretation of Bedouin coins.

The idea behind this project was to create a charm that represents what is valuable to me, which is Allah (God). The continuous remembrance of Allah is known in Arabic as "Zikr". The three main attributes translate as, " Glory to Allah", "All praise into Allah" and, "Allah is the greatest". This project has a direct relationship to creating as a form of worship because of it's reference to religion and the remembrance of Allah.

Throughout the making of this collection, there was constant remembrance (Zikr) of Allah, which is the definition of creating as a form of worship. I would say this project serves as a means of spiritual mediation for me as the designer and manufacturer and will also serve as spiritual mediation for the viewer who understands its purpose.